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Jason Brewer

EDD disability extension payment delay - 3 weeks since doctor submitted paperwork

I've been on SDI for my back injury since January, and my doctor submitted an extension request on 4/15/2025 when my initial claim period ended. It's been 3 weeks now and I still haven't received any additional payments. My last direct deposit was on 4/2/2025, and I'm starting to panic about bills. I can see the extension is "processing" on SDI Online, but there's no timeframe given. Has anyone been through this extension process recently? How long did it take for payments to resume after your doctor submitted the extension paperwork? I've tried calling EDD about 25 times but can't get through to anyone who can help.

mine took like 5 weeks when i did an extension in february... edd is so slow with everything its crazy!! try calling right when they open thats how i finally got someone

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5 weeks?? I can't wait that long, I have rent due next week. Did they backpay you for all the weeks you were waiting at least?

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Extensions typically take 2-3 weeks to process under normal circumstances, but lately the EDD has been experiencing higher volumes. When your doctor submits the extension paperwork (DE 2525XX form), it essentially creates a new review process. A few things to check: 1. Make sure your doctor properly completed all sections of the extension certification 2. Verify your extension shows as "pending" not "disqualified" or "incomplete" 3. Continue certifying for benefits during this waiting period The good news is that you will receive backpay for all the weeks once approved. I've helped several clients through this process, and while frustrating, the payments do eventually come through.

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Thank you for the detailed explanation. I checked and it does say "pending" so that's a relief. But how do I certify for benefits while waiting? I don't see that option anywhere on my SDI Online portal.

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i had same thing happen in march!! u don't actually certify for SDI like u do with unemployment my doctor had to resubmit the forms because they got lost or something, might wanna check with ur doc office

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The previous comment is correct - SDI doesn't require bi-weekly certification like unemployment does. Once your extension is approved, you'll automatically receive payments for the gap period. In my experience, extensions are taking 3-4 weeks right now. One important thing to note: sometimes extensions get delayed because EDD requires additional information from your medical provider. It's worth having your doctor's office check if they've received any requests for additional documentation from EDD. If you absolutely need to reach an EDD representative, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same situation last month and used their service to get through to an actual person at EDD within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. It saved me from having to call 50+ times, and the agent was able to expedite my extension.

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I'll definitely check with my doctor tomorrow to see if EDD requested anything else. Never heard of Claimyr before but at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything to get through to someone. Thanks for the suggestion!

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THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!! EDD is DELIBERATELY delaying extension payments to save money!!! I went through this EXACT SAME THING in March and it took SIX WEEKS to get my extension approved when my doctor submitted everything correctly the first time!! They're hoping people will give up or go back to work even if they're not medically cleared. The whole system is BROKEN and nobody in Sacramento cares enough to fix it!!!

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six weeks seems extreme... mine only took like 10 days back in january. maybe depends on what medical condition you have?

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It has NOTHING to do with medical condition and EVERYTHING to do with them being understaffed and undertrained. Just look at all the posts on here about delays. It's by design!

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I just went through the extension process myself for my pregnancy disability claim that turned into PFL. My doctor submitted the extension paperwork on 4/1 and I finally got paid on 4/22. So it was about 3 weeks for me. One thing that helped was having my doctor's office call EDD directly through their medical provider line. They can sometimes get information about what's causing the delay and help push things along. My doctor's office called and found out they needed to clarify something on the form, which expedited my case. Might be worth asking your doctor if they can do that for you!

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That's really helpful, I didn't know doctors had a special line to call EDD! I'll definitely ask my doctor if they can check on the status. Did your payments just suddenly show up, or did you get any kind of notification that your extension was approved?

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The status in my SDI Online account changed from "pending" to "paid" first, and then the money showed up in my bank account the next day. I never got an email or text notification though, which was annoying. I was just checking my account obsessively every day.

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When I had my extension on my claim last yr for my back surgery I got super lucky n got a payment like right away i think because my surgeon is really good with that paperwork stuff but my friend waited like 2 months once because of paperwork issues soooo it really depends i think!!!!

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UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected in about 15 minutes. The agent said my extension is approved but stuck in their payment system. They expedited it and said I should receive all my back payments within 48 hours! So relieved. Thanks everyone for the advice and support!

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That's great news! Glad you were able to get it resolved. This is exactly why it's so important to actually speak with a representative sometimes - those system glitches can keep approved payments from processing. Thanks for the update!

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System" glitch is just their excuse for deliberate delays. But glad'you re getting paid atleast!

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Congrats on getting it resolved! I'm actually in a similar situation right now - been waiting 2.5 weeks for my extension to process after my doctor submitted the paperwork. Your post gives me hope that it might just be a system issue rather than something being wrong with my claim. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service you mentioned - seems like actually talking to someone is the only way to get these things moving. Really appreciate you coming back to update us on what happened!

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I'm in a similar boat - been waiting about 2 weeks for my extension to process and was starting to get really worried. It's reassuring to hear that Jason's was actually approved but just stuck in the system. I had no idea that could happen! I'm definitely going to try calling through Claimyr too since regular EDD phone lines seem impossible to get through. Thanks for sharing your experience Carmen, it helps to know we're not alone in this frustrating process.

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Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been through this exact situation twice now. The first time I waited almost 4 weeks for an extension and was pulling my hair out, but the second time I knew what to expect. A few things that helped me get through it: 1) Keep checking your SDI Online account daily - the status can change without any notification, 2) Have your doctor's office keep copies of everything they submitted in case EDD claims they didn't receive it, and 3) Don't be afraid to escalate if it goes beyond 4 weeks. I also found that calling right at 8am when they open gives you the best chance of getting through. Hang in there everyone - the backpay will come and it's worth the wait even though the anxiety is terrible!

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This is really helpful advice, especially about having the doctor's office keep copies! I'm new to the SDI system and had no idea that EDD sometimes claims they didn't receive paperwork that was actually submitted. The daily checking tip is good too - I've been obsessively refreshing my account anyway so at least now I know that's actually useful. It's comforting to hear from someone who's been through this twice and made it through okay. The anxiety really is the worst part when you're already dealing with a medical condition and worrying about money on top of it.

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I'm going through this right now too - my doctor submitted my extension paperwork about 10 days ago and I'm already getting anxious about when payments will resume. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking! It sounds like anywhere from 2-6 weeks is normal, which is such a huge range. I'm definitely going to ask my doctor's office if they can call that medical provider line that Emma mentioned - I had no idea that existed. And thanks to Jason for sharing the Claimyr suggestion, I'm bookmarking that in case I need it. It's so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops when we're already dealing with medical issues, but at least this community helps us know we're not alone in the struggle!

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I totally understand that anxiety - the uncertainty is almost worse than knowing it will take a long time! Ten days isn't too bad yet, but I know every day feels like forever when you're waiting for money you need. One thing that helped me mentally was setting a "panic date" - like if it hits 4 weeks with no movement, THEN I'll start making calls. Before that, I tried to just accept it was in process. Also, definitely ask your doctor about that medical provider line - it seems like the doctors who are proactive about following up get their patients' claims processed faster. Fingers crossed yours moves quickly!

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I'm currently going through my first SDI extension process and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My doctor submitted my paperwork 2 weeks ago and I've been checking my SDI Online account obsessively. It's reassuring to know that 2-4 weeks seems to be the normal range, even though it feels like forever when you're waiting. I had no idea about the medical provider line that doctors can call - definitely going to ask my orthopedic office about that tomorrow. Also bookmarking that Claimyr service just in case I need it after the 4-week mark. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and timelines - it really helps to know what to expect and that the backpay will eventually come through!

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Welcome to the extension waiting club! I just went through this process myself about 6 months ago and I know exactly how you're feeling. The obsessive checking of SDI Online is so real - I was refreshing that page like 20 times a day! Two weeks is still well within the normal timeframe, so try not to panic yet. That medical provider line tip from Emma is gold - my doctor's office used it and it really seemed to help move things along faster. And yes, definitely keep Claimyr as your backup plan! The waiting is the absolute worst part, but hang in there - you'll get through this and the backpay will make it worth the stress.

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I'm dealing with a similar extension delay right now - it's been about 18 days since my doctor submitted my paperwork for a shoulder injury extension. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both comforting and stressful at the same time! It sounds like I'm still within the normal 2-4 week window, but the financial anxiety is real when bills are piling up. I'm definitely going to try calling my doctor's office tomorrow to see if they can use that medical provider line to check on the status. It's crazy how much variation there is in processing times - some people get approved in 10 days, others wait 6 weeks. The system really needs better communication about what's happening with our claims. Thanks Jason for updating us about your resolution, and thanks everyone else for sharing your timelines - it helps so much to know we're not going through this alone!

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Eighteen days is definitely frustrating, especially when you're dealing with bills! I went through something similar with my disability extension last year and that 2-4 week window feels eternal when you're living it. The medical provider line really seems to be the secret weapon that a lot of people don't know about - my doctor's office was able to get much more specific information about what was holding up my claim than I could ever get through the regular phone lines. One thing that helped me mentally was keeping a simple calendar marking each day since submission, so I could see the progress even when it didn't feel like anything was happening. You're right that the lack of communication from EDD is the worst part - they could save everyone so much anxiety by just sending basic status updates. Hang in there, you're getting close to that typical approval timeframe!

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I'm currently 16 days into waiting for my extension approval after my doctor submitted paperwork for my knee surgery recovery. This thread has been so helpful - I had no idea about the medical provider line that doctors can call! I've been stressing because my last payment was March 30th and rent is due soon. It's reassuring to see that most people are getting approved within 3-4 weeks, even if the waiting feels endless. I'm definitely going to call my orthopedic surgeon's office tomorrow to ask if they can check the status through that special line. Jason, thanks for coming back with the update about Claimyr - I've bookmarked it as my backup plan if I hit the 4-week mark without movement. The financial anxiety on top of recovering from surgery is really tough, but reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel less alone in this process!

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I'm in almost the exact same situation - day 17 of waiting for my extension after ankle surgery! It's so nerve-wracking when you're already dealing with recovery and then have to worry about money too. I called my doctor's office yesterday after reading about that medical provider line and they said they'd check on it for me today. The waiting really is the hardest part, especially when you see such different timelines from everyone. At least we know we're not alone and that most people do get approved eventually with backpay. Fingers crossed both of us hear something soon!

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I'm also going through an extension right now - submitted paperwork 12 days ago for my wrist injury and the waiting is already driving me crazy! This thread has been incredibly helpful though. I had no idea doctors could call a special medical provider line to check on status. Definitely calling my orthopedic office tomorrow to ask about that. It's both reassuring and terrifying to see the range from 10 days to 6 weeks - really shows how inconsistent the system can be. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and timelines. Jason, so glad you got it resolved and thanks for the Claimyr tip! Bookmarking that for sure. The financial stress on top of dealing with an injury is no joke, but at least we have this community to support each other through it.

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Hang in there Sophia! Twelve days is still well within that normal timeframe everyone's been talking about. I'm new to this whole SDI extension process myself, but reading through all these experiences has been such a lifesaver. It's crazy how much stress the uncertainty adds when you're already dealing with an injury. That medical provider line seems to be the real game-changer - so many people have mentioned their doctors being able to get better information that way than we can get as patients. Definitely worth asking your orthopedic office about it. I'm bookmarking all these tips too in case I ever need to go through this process. Thanks for sharing your timeline - it helps to see we're all in this together!

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I'm currently day 8 into my extension wait after my physical therapist submitted my paperwork for a work-related back injury. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and anxiety-inducing at the same time! It's helpful to know that 2-4 weeks seems to be the typical range, but seeing some people wait 6+ weeks is definitely nerve-wracking. I had no clue about that medical provider line that doctors can use - that seems like such a useful tool that more people should know about. Definitely going to ask my PT office about it when I see them next week. Also bookmarking that Claimyr service just in case I need it down the road. The financial stress while trying to heal is really tough, but this community has been amazing for sharing practical tips and moral support. Thanks Jason for the detailed update about your resolution - gives me hope that even if there are system glitches, they can be worked out with the right approach!

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Welcome to the waiting game, Dmitry! Day 8 is still really early in the process, so try not to stress too much yet. I'm new to this community but have been reading through everyone's experiences and it's amazing how helpful this thread has been. That 2-4 week timeline seems pretty consistent across most people's stories, though I know each day feels like forever when you're dealing with financial pressure on top of recovery. The medical provider line tip has come up so many times in this thread - it really seems like the secret weapon that can help move things along faster. Your PT office might be able to give you much better information than trying to navigate the regular EDD phone maze. It's reassuring to see how Jason's situation worked out in the end, even with the system glitch. Hang in there and keep us posted on how it goes!

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I'm about 2 weeks into waiting for my extension approval after my doctor submitted paperwork for my chronic pain condition. This entire thread has been such a lifeline - I had no idea so many others were going through the exact same thing! The range of timelines is both comforting and concerning, but it's really helpful to see that most people do get approved within 3-4 weeks. I'm definitely going to call my doctor's office tomorrow to ask about that medical provider line everyone keeps mentioning. Never knew that was even an option! Also saving that Claimyr info just in case I need it after the 4-week mark. The financial anxiety while dealing with a medical condition is brutal, but reading everyone's experiences and advice here makes me feel so much less alone in this process. Thanks to everyone for being so open about sharing their timelines and tips!

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Two weeks is still well within that normal range everyone's been talking about! I'm also dealing with my first extension process and this thread has been such a goldmine of information. It's amazing how many people don't know about that medical provider line - I sure didn't until reading through all these comments. The chronic pain aspect adds another layer of stress to the whole waiting process, but it sounds like you're handling it well by gathering all this practical advice. Definitely try that medical provider line route - so many people here have had success with their doctors being able to get better information that way. The financial anxiety is so real, but seeing Jason's happy ending and everyone else's eventual approvals gives me hope we'll all get through this. Thanks for sharing your timeline too - it really does help to know we're all in this together!

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I'm currently on day 11 of waiting for my extension approval after my doctor submitted paperwork for my herniated disc. This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! It's crazy how many of us are going through the exact same waiting process right now. Reading everyone's experiences has taught me so much - I had no idea about that medical provider line that doctors can call, and I'm definitely going to ask my spine specialist about using it when I see them on Friday. The 2-4 week timeline that keeps coming up gives me hope, though I know each day feels like an eternity when you're stressed about bills. I'm also bookmarking that Claimyr service as a backup plan if I hit the 4-week mark without any movement. The combination of physical pain and financial anxiety is really tough, but seeing Jason's success story and all the support in this community makes me feel less alone in this process. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and tips - it's making such a difference for those of us currently in the waiting phase!

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